Top 10 shopping ideas in Milan

The home of high fashion, fine foods and designer home interiors, shopping in Milan is part and parcel of a Milan city break. Shop till you drop and return to your Milan hotel with the latest fashions, food and homeware.

Galleria designer shopping

With its magnificent iron-and-glass structure and mosaic floor, the belle epoque 19th-century arcaded Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is a designer shopping treat. It is just seconds from the Duomo cathedral. Shop (or window-shop) in Prada, Louis Vuitton and Dolce &Gabbana before a spot of people-watching from the gallery bars.

Surrealist shopping at Victor & Rolf

The Dutch designers’ first flagship store in Milan remains a cult retail experience. Inside this upside-down boutique, the ceiling is the floor, chandeliers resemble fountains and the welcome mat is on the ceiling. Amid the quirky layout are lavish dresses, men’s couture, perfumes and designer shoes.

Via Saint Andrea 14, Milan, 20121

Furniture fashion at E de Padova

For vintage collectibles and up-to-the-minute home interiors, a Milan city break will fill your head with ideas and inspiration. Head to E de Padova, the brainchild of Achille Castiglioni, for the latest in interior fashion. Set in an old palazzo, the Milan city views from the fifth floor are worth the visit.

Corso Venezia, 14, Milan, 20121

Gastro shopping at Peck

Black truffles, spicy Gorgonzola, Tuscan ham and bottles of Barolo red wine are among the mouth- watering delights at the legendary Peck food store. Stop by the deli counter for a sample then head upstairs and enjoy a coffee, cheese platter and sweet treat.

Via Spadari 9, Milan, 20123

Designer bargains

Book a Milan hotel during the two sale seasons from early January to February and from July to August. With up to to 60% off original prices, it’s the perfect time to pick up Prada pumps and Gucci couture. Head to Corso Buenos Aires, Milan’s largest shopping street.

Shoe-shopping on Via Torino

Connecting Piazza Duomo with the canalside Ticinese district, Via Torino is something of a shoe fan’s dream, selling everything from trendy wedges to all-terrain trekking shoes. Head further down towards Ticinese to find craftsmen working on trinkets and leather goods in their workshops.

Armani indulgence on Via Manzoni

Georgia Armani’s multi-concept store, Spazio Armani on elegant Via Manzoni, fills 6,000 square metres with showrooms of fashion, interiors, flowers and hi-tech Sony equipment. After shopping, enjoy an aperitif or coffee at the upstairs Emporio Armani Cafè, or book a table at the Japanese Nobu restaurant.

31 Via Manzoni, Milan, 20121

Leather lovers in Chinatown

With an emphasis on quality and value, the place for leather shoes, belts and bags is around Via Paolo Sarpi in Milan’s Chinatown. It is a bustling working-class district, north of Parco Sempione. Centred along Via Canonica and Via Rosmini, the area is also home to glass, craft and gift shops. Saturday is the best day to browse.